The medical officer of health for Grey-Bruce region is asking – but not forcing – residents to hold off on some Step 3 activities during the current COVID case surge.
Dr. Ian Arra has issued modified Step 3 recommendations "strongly recommending" gatherings in the region stay under 25 people outdoors and five people indoors.
He's also asking people to stick to outdoor dining only for a little while longer, and to limit salon and personal care services to those that can be done while the client keeps their mask on.
The medical officer of health can issue a class order to make the modifications mandatory, but he told CollingwoodToday he trusts the public to follow the recommendations voluntarily.
"A slow and modified progression into Step 3 in Grey-Bruce will reduce the risk of the current surge worsening," states a news release from the health unit. "It will also restrain individuals who consider Step 3 an invitation to abandon precautions."
Grey-Bruce has the highest COVID case incidence rate in the province and is one of the top delta variant hotspots.
According the health unit, the recommendations will only be revoked "when the majority of youth aged 12 to 35 years old have had two vaccinations and/or the current surge is diminished."
Arra is reminding church service and wedding reception attendees as well as workplaces and patrons to continue following public health measures.
He is also reiterating personal COVID-19 prevention measures – such as hand washing, physical distancing, regular disinfection of high-touch areas, and staying home if you're sick – are as important as ever.
